Battery separators function as barriers to prevent electrodes from touching, while allowing lithium ions to charge and discharge the battery. Energain separators from DuPont boost battery power 15 to 30% and extend life up to 20%.

High-Performance Battery Separators

A nonfiber-based polymeric separator for lithium-ion batteries capable of boosting power 15 to 30% and extending life up to 20% for hybrid and electric vehicles has been developed by DuPont.

A nonfiber-based polymeric separator for lithium-ion batteries capable of boosting power 15 to 30% and extending life up to 20% for hybrid and electric vehicles has been developed by DuPont (dupont.com). A big benefit of the “Energain” separators: DuPont says the number of batteries used in vehicles—and their additional weight—can be reduced, which is significant considering that hybrid vehicles typically contain anywhere from 50 to 70 batteries and electric vehicles more than 200. The Energain separators go into production at a Chesterfield County, VA, facility set to open in Q1 2011.